Less than a week after P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer was forced to return to Sydney briefly during a three-day cruise to nowhere so that police could remove unruly passengers, police have been called to Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend that was making an 11-night round voyage from Melbourne.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCCL) has appointed Adam Sharp into the new role of project manager, port operations, reporting to Miami-based Dustin Nason, director port operations on all strategic port initiatives that the business is involved in.

Holland America Line’s new trade promise, 'Committed to Your Success,' pledges comprehensive support to travel partners and an exceptional cruise for clients. The sales department will work to uphold the promise under the guidance of the team led by VP Eva Jenner.

Steve McLaughlin, vp sales Australasia for Oceania Cruises, co-hosted a Valentine’s dinner for media aboard Regatta with Steve Odell, svp and md Asia Pacific of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, before the 684-passenger ship set sail from Sydney late in the evening of February 14.

Navigator had arrived from New Zealand and sailed in the evening, heading for Perth.The aptly-named Seven Seas Navigator visited Australia in February 2002 on the first round-world voyage operated by what was then Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Odell was unapologetic when he told his media guests, who lunched in the signature Compass Rose Restaurant, that Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most expensive cruise line.

‘You don’t go to Gucci and ask for a discount,’ he said. ‘Our prices don’t come down. The top suites are always first to sell out and an average fare per couple for a 14-night cruise is around A$20,000.

‘It is not about the price -- it is what is included.’

Pile, who said around 50% of passengers are repeaters, said the company is launching its future itineraries earlier than ever and this has led to an early booking curve.

She said the 2020/21 itineraries will be announced in August.Photo: Helen Hutcheon

Nominations are open for Cruise Lines International Association’s Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards. This annual event recognizes individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry.